Transform or Collapse? Dr. Rupert Read and Manda Scott on Climate Adaptation & Moral Courage

In this powerful episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, hosts John Izzo and Alain Gauthier sit down with philosopher and climate activist Dr. Rupert Read and Manda Scott to explore the groundbreaking new book, Transformative Adaptation.

Is it too late to stop climate change? What does it mean to adapt with courage, not despair? And how can we transform ourselves and our systems to save what truly matters?

We dive deep into:

• The difference between shallow and transformative adaptation
• Why collapse isn’t inevitable — and how hope can be radical
• The moral and spiritual dimensions of climate action
• Practical steps for individuals and communities to adapt with integrity

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier sit down with Rupert Read and Manda Scott to explore their new book Transformative Adaptation: Another World Is Still Just Possible.

We ask:

• Is it too late to stop the climate and ecological crisis?
• What’s the difference between “shallow” adaptation and “transformative” adaptation?
• How can communities move from resilience to true system change?
• Why do new stories—like Thrutopia—matter for creating a liveable future?

From real examples in Nepal and Rojava to the spiritual and narrative shifts needed to heal our “trauma culture,” this episode will leave you questioning what kind of future we can still build—together.

👥 Guest Bios & Links

Rupert Read – Philosopher, former Extinction Rebellion spokesperson, co-founder of the Climate Majority Project, and co-author of Transformative Adaptation. 🔗 Rupert’s Website | Climate Majority Project

Manda Scott – Award-winning novelist, podcaster (Accidental Gods), and co-author of Transformative Adaptation, pioneering the concept of Thrutopia storytelling. 🔗 Accidental Gods Podcast | Thrutopia

🙌 Call to Action

✨ Subscribe to The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations for more deep dialogues on climate, culture, and regeneration. 💬 Share this episode with a friend who cares about the future. ⭐ Leave us a comment—what does “transformative adaptation” mean to you?

🎙 Show Branding

The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is hosted by Dr. John Izzo & Alain Gauthier and produced by Jim Burke. 📺 Watch on [YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc| 🎧 Listen on [Apple Podcasts] podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-forward-regenerative-conversations/id1651941803| 🌍 Connect with us: [Website] https://wayforwardpodcast.com/

🌿 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is made possible through the generous support of Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA). These organizations are dedicated to empowering elders to take collective action for a thriving, just, and sustainable future. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership and for modeling what it means to be regenerative elders in action.